STURTEVANT, Wis. "“ November 19, 2008 "“ The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today recognized JohnsonDiversey as a "Champion" under the Safer Detergents Stewardship Initiative (SDSI), a program JohnsonDiversey helped develop through its leadership in the National Pollution Prevention and Toxics Advisory Council.

The EPA recognized JohnsonDiversey during a SDSI awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. The agency also recognized other chemical manufacturers and product formulators that have met the SDSI standard.

The SDSI recognizes companies and facilities for voluntarily phasing out the manufacture or use of nonylphenol ethoxylates, commonly referred to as NPEs, which studies have shown can harm aquatic life. In 2007, JohnsonDiversey voluntarily ceased producing and selling products with alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEOs), which include NPEs, though it remains legal in the U.S. to use the chemicals in cleaning applications.

"We especially appreciate the leadership role JohnsonDiversey played in the development of the SDSI program," said Barbara Stinson, senior partner, Meridian Institute, the organization retained by the EPA to facilitate the Advisory Council. "Through its participation in the Council, JohnsonDiversey was a catalyst for the creation of a program to recognize companies that use safer ingredients in product formulations."

JohnsonDiversey began phasing APEOs out of products in the 1990s and continued to seek alternative formulations well before publicly committing to eliminate them from products in 2007.

"Eliminating APEOs from our products was the responsible action to take," said JohnsonDiversey President and CEO Ed Lonergan. "We're proud we can tell our customers and our communities that we’re setting standards for our products that are more stringent than current regulations in order to protect human health and the environment."

JohnsonDiversey's action has eliminated the annual use of more than 2,250 tons of APEOs. Although these chemicals have been used for more than 50 years in consumer cleaning, personal care and industrial products to enhance their effectiveness, APEOs have increasingly been associated with harmful effects in the environment.

As APEOs break down in the environment, the resulting components have been identified as potential endocrine disruptors that may result in reproductive toxicity, according to some studies. Additionally, these components are considered toxic to some aquatic species.

The EPA has not banned APEOs. However, Japan has banned APEOs and many industries in Europe have voluntarily banned their use. APEO regulations have also intensified in Canada.

For more information about EPA's Design for the Environment and the Safer Detergents Stewardship Initiative (SDSI) Award, please visit www.epa.gov/dfe/index.htm.

About JohnsonDiversey
JohnsonDiversey Inc. is a leading global provider of commercial cleaning, sanitation and hygiene solutions, serving customers in the lodging, food service, retail, health care and food and beverage sectors.

JohnsonDiversey is one of four separate companies controlled by the Johnson Family of Racine, Wisconsin, USA. With operations in 56 countries and sales into more than 170 countries, JohnsonDiversey provides customers worldwide with the products, solutions and expertise to make their facilities the safest and cleanest in the world. To learn more, visit us at www.johnsondiversey.com.

Diversey, Inc

Diversey, Inc

Diversey, Inc. is committed to a cleaner, healthier future. Its products, systems and expertise make food, drink and facilities safer and more hygienic for consumers and for building occupants. With sales into more than 175 countries, Diversey is a leading global provider of commercial cleaning, sanitation and hygiene solutions. The company serves customers in the building management, lodging, food service, retail, health care, and food and beverage sectors. Diversey is headquartered in Sturtevant, Wisconsin, USA. Diversey, Inc. is formerly JohnsonDiversey, Inc. To learn more, visit www.diversey.com.

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